Mick (Titch) Groom enlisted as a Boy Soldier on 11 November 1949. After basic training, he was posted to Barnard Castle before joining the Band of the 7th (Queen’s Own) Hussars at Wyvern Barracks, Luneberg.
The Bandmaster was Geoff Hensby and Mick served with Geoff for the next five years. He learned to play the oboe in the Band, but as a double reed player, was often called upon to play the cymbals or bass drum in the marching band.
He was a great sportsman and played in goal for the regimental hockey team for many years. He also played cricket and football and involved himself in all aspects of regimental life.
The Regiment went to Hong Kong in 1954 and Mick found himself under the baton of Gerry Horabin when Geoff became Quartermaster of the 7th (Queen’s Own) Hussars.
The Regiment returned to the UK in 1957 and, after the amalgamation with the 3rd Hussars, the Regiment moved to Munster. Mick then served under Bandmaster Waite, when Gerry left to take over the Royal Engineers Band as Director of Music.
After service at Maresfield and again in Germany, Mick decided in 1967 to transfer to the Band of the Irish Guards – their Director of Music now being Gerry Horabin.
He left the Army in 1978.
Mick, or Titch as many knew him, was a stalwart supporter of the band and the Regiment and he will be sadly missed.
